Monzo and Enterprise Nation Name Top Startups of 2025

Three game-changing startups – an architectural designer developing biodiversity-boosting building materials, an adaptive fashion brand empowering the disabled community, and a savings platform for new parents – have been named the winners of the Start Up Idea of the Year competition, launched by Monzo Business and Enterprise Nation.

Selected from nearly 3,000 entries, the winners stood out for their innovative responses to pressing social and environmental challenges, showcasing the potential of entrepreneurial ideas to drive impact and contribute to the UK’s economic growth. A panel of expert judges evaluated submissions based on growth potential, impact, and clarity of vision.

The 2025 Winners

1st Place – Phyta Biodesign (London)
Grant: £10,000
Architectural designer Zain Ansari is bringing biodiversity into urban spaces with Apia, modular wall panels made from mycelium that provide a natural habitat for solitary bees. Designed to integrate into homes and buildings, the panels offer a scalable, elegant solution to declining pollinator populations. Zain plans to use the grant to refine the prototype and build out a UK-based design and fabrication studio.

2nd Place – cubbi (Birmingham)
Grant: £8,000
Founded by sisters Olivia and Tanyka Davson, cubbi is a fast-growing money-saving app that provides exclusive deals for new parents. Modeled after UNiDAYS but focused on families, cubbi has already helped thousands manage the costs of early parenthood. The grant will support user growth and a Father’s Day campaign aimed at engaging more dads.

3rd Place – Intotum (London)
Grant: £7,000
Founded by 23-year-old Hanan Tantush, Intotum designs inclusive adaptive clothing that’s both stylish and functional for disabled individuals. Inspired by her grandfather’s post-treatment experience, Hanan is creating garments informed by lived experience, including seated coats and accessible trousers. The funding will go toward launching a new collection and expanding retail reach.

Each winner receives a grant, tailored support from Enterprise Nation, and a six-month Monzo Business Pro account to fuel their next stage of growth.

Jordan Shwide, General Manager, Monzo Business, said:
“At Monzo, we’re proud to support over half a million UK businesses. These winners represent the drive and innovation we see every day. They’re solving real-world problems and we’re excited to support their next steps.”

Emma Jones, CBE, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, added:
“Startups are critical to the UK’s innovation landscape. This initiative highlights the power of entrepreneurial thinking to solve complex challenges. It’s inspiring to see such purpose-driven founders building businesses that strengthen communities and champion sustainability.”

For more information, visit Enterprise Nation or Monzo Business.